NSCDC destroy 200 illegal refineries, prosecutes 120 suspects

COMMANDANT-General of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, has said that as at December 2015, the corps destroyed over 200 illegal refineries in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Kogi, Ondo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states with over 120 suspects involved in the act of vandalism prosecuted and sentenced to various prison terms by courts.

Similarly, about 250 suspects are still facing trial in various high courts in the country and over 80 trucks containing petroleum products impounded with several operational equipments belonging to suspected vandals being recovered.

A statement signed by the Corps Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Okeh, said this was with a view to stemming the tide of vandalism, illegal refineries, oil theft, and illegal bunkering.

“We are an agency of government created to tackle this onerous task of fighting the scourge of vandalism, illegal bunkering, illegal refineries, oil theft and other allied crimes, therefore we will continue to fight these illicit acts diligently in ensuring that the nation is rid of these obnoxious activities perpetrated by some few individuals that have posed as enemies of the state as a result of greed and selfishness. We will not rest on our oars until the battle is all over,” Muhammadu said.

The commandant-general, who thanked the Chief of Naval Staff for the support, synergy and good working relationship in acknowledging the mandate of the Corps, warned those still in the business of vandalism to desist or relocate from the country as the Corps would deal decisively with anyone caught in acts contrary to the peace of the state.